On Christmas day, surrounded by her family, with serving platers passing left, right, and across, the devil came to collect his due. My aunt’s smile changed to a grimace as she looked down at her lap. Sudden bloating, fullness, and cramps — and it hurt. Had this happened before? No, not that she remembered.

A week later the diagnosis of colon cancer was confirmed. Six months later she was in hospice care, with her family wondering how things changed so fast. My aunt, then 67, was about to lose all her joy — her devoted husband, loving son, and two precious grandchildren — because she decided not to deal with her health from a position of knowledge.

My aunt was not an ignorant person. She was the first woman in her family to attend college, first to graduate with an advanced degree, a teacher in her younger years. However, like many seniors, she was risk averse. Consequently, she followed a healthcare strategy that was more certain but with inferior results (i.e., no screening, escalating her risk of cancer). She refused to confront an uncertain outcome (i.e., routine screening, with the potential to find cancer). This single decision probably cost her life.

The bottom line

Colorectal cancer is a disease of seniors. Approximately half of men and 60% of women are older than 70 years at diagnosis. Importantly, treatment is most successful when started early.

Confront the devil. Read the FAQ to learn more about the benefits of routine screening for colorectal cancer.

FAQ: A Senior's guide to Colonoscopy

Among cancers that affect men and women, colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Screening colonoscopy is the primary tool for early detection.

Convince me that screening colonoscopy is worthwhile.

Colonoscopy is associated with 77% lower risk for colorectal cancer.

How does screening colonoscopy lower my risk for colon cancer?

The vast majority of colon cancers develop from benign (noncancerous) growths called polyps, which cause no symptoms. Removing polyps eliminates the future source of the cancer.

How often must I have a screening colonoscopy?

It’s generally recommended that adults begin colorectal cancer screening every 10 years starting at age 50.  Based on the results and your special needs, more frequent screening may be required.

Do the benefits of screening colonoscopy decline with advancing age?

Polyps in the colon take a relatively long time to develop into cancer. Accordingly, the potential benefit in life expectancy for the very elderly may be smaller compared to younger people. This is because seniors are more likely to die of "natural" causes.

Is there an age when colonoscopy is not beneficial?

Many variables must be considered before answering this question. It’s a discussion to have with your doctor.

As an alternative to screening colonoscopy, are there symptoms that might help detect colon cancer?

There are symptoms, but they’re not a substitute for screening. Many people with colon cancer never experienced — or didn’t recognize — the early signs of disease. Making the connection between symptoms and diagnosis is a challenge best done by a doctor.

I’ve been told that the liquid I must drink in preparation for the procedure is very distasteful. Why must this liquid be taken?

You drink the liquid in order to cleanse the colon of all contents. This gives your doctor the best chance to find polyps. Your doctor can discuss several options to achieve cleansing.

Is the procedure uncomfortable?

There’s minimal discomfort because you will sleep during the 30- to 60-minute procedure. Afterward, you may experience cramping in the recovery room where you will get crackers and a drink and wait for your doctor to tell you the findings.

Following colonoscopy, how soon can I get back to my normal routine?

The entire procedure takes about a half day. If medication has been given, a responsible adult should drive you home. Avoid alcohol, driving, operating machinery, and making important decisions until 24 hours after the procedure.